Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) Program

UP Health System - Portage’s Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program was first recognized by the state of Michigan in 1997, and achieved national recognition, first with the American Diabetes Association in 2001. Currently it is certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Portage offers individual and group education of patients with Pre-Diabetes, Types 1 and 2 Diabetes, as well as Gestational Diabetes. The education is provided by a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), as well as Registered Dietitian, through a referral from your Primary Care Provider.

Medical Nutritional Therapy

Another part of Diabetes Education is Medical Nutritional Therapy. It is one-on-one dietary instruction with one of our Registered Dietitians. We also offer Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring, as well as Community Outreach and Inpatient Education.

CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program

Beginning in September 2015 at Portage was the CDC led National Diabetes Prevention Program. It is a year-long evidence-based lifestyle modification class that helps people with Pre-Diabetes, those or at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program group meets once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

The Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program is based on research that showed that people with Pre-Diabetes who lost five to seven percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Contact us

For more information on the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program please call Kelly Aho RN, CDE at 906.483.1229.

To set up an appointment with the Registered Dietitians call 906.483.1253.